Device for a respirator

Abstract

A device for a respirator. A tube is operative to be introduced into a trachea of a patient and supply and discharge gas from the patient's lungs. A first conduit connects the tube to the respirator to discharge exhalation gas. A second conduit extends between the tube and a source of sub-pressure. The second conduit is connected to an exhalation tube of the tube. A third conduit connects the tube to the respirator and supplies inhalation gas. In an active position a valve arrangement keeps the second conduit open and connects the exhalation tube to a source of sub-pressure. In an inactive position the valve arrangement keeps the second conduit closed and the first conduit open. A controller moves the valve arrangement from the inactive position to the active position for a period of time to simulate coughing to cause a gas flow to support transport of secretions.

1. A cough-simulating device operative to be used together with a respirator during respirator treatments, the cough-simulating device comprising:
 a tube member operative to be introduced into a trachea of a patient and to supply inhalation gas to and discharge exhalation gas from lungs of the patient, the tube member comprises an inhalation tube to supply the inhalation gas and an exhalation tube separate from the inhalation tube to discharge the exhalation gas separately from the inhalation gas, the inhalation tube comprising an outlet opening operative to be positioned in the trachea of the patient, and the exhalation tube comprising an inlet opening operative to be positioned in the trachea of the patient; 
 a first conduit operative to connect the exhalation tube to the respirator and to permit said discharge of exhalation gas; 
 a second conduit operative to connect the exhalation tube to a source providing a sub-pressure; 
 a third conduit operative to connect the tube member to the inhalation tube and to supply the inhalation gas; 
 a valve arrangement moveable between an active position and an inactive normal position, wherein in the active position the valve arrangement is operative to keep the second conduit open and to connect the exhalation tube to the source, and in the inactive normal position the valve arrangement is operative to keep the second conduit closed and to keep the first conduit open; and 
 a controller operatively connected to the respirator to initiate the active position substantially immediately after an inhalation for a short period of time to simulate a coughing of the patient when breathing resistance exceeds a predetermined level, thereby causing a gas flow supporting a transport of secretions through airways of the patient and through the exhalation tube during the respirator treatment. 
 
   
   
     2. The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the valve arrangement is operative to keep the first conduit closed when the second conduit is open. 
   
   
     3. The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the valve arrangement comprises a first valve that is arranged between the tube member and the source of sub-pressure and that is open in the active position. 
   
   
     4. The device according to  claim 3 , wherein the valve arrangement comprises a second valve that is arranged between the first valve and the source of sub-pressure and that is open in the active position. 
   
   
     5. The device according to  claim 4 , wherein the second valve is closed in the inactive position. 
   
   
     6. The device according  claim 4 , wherein the valve arrangement comprises a third valve that is arranged between the tube member and the respirator and that is closed in the active position. 
   
   
     7. The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the third valve is open in the inactive position. 
   
   
     8. The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the controller is operatively connected to the first valve, the second valve and the third valve. 
   
   
     9. The device according  claim 4 , wherein the controller comprises a first unit operative to control the first valve and a second unit operative to control the second valve, wherein the first unit and the second unit are substantially independent of each other. 
   
   
     10. The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first valve is closed in said inactive position. 
   
   
     11. The device according  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a container through which at least one of the first conduit and the second conduit extends for collecting liquid from the exhalation gas. 
 
   
   
     12. The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the outlet opening of the inhalation tube is a distal outlet opening operative to be positioned at a dividing region of a main bronchi of the patient during use of the device, and wherein the inlet opening of the exhalation tube is arranged above the outlet opening of the inhalation tube. 
   
   
     13. The device according to  claim 12 , wherein the tube member further comprises a fixing member that is operative to introduced into the trachea and permit airtight fixing of the tube member in the trachea, wherein the fixing member is operative to be arranged substantially immediately below a larynx of the patient and wherein the inlet opening of the exhalation tube is arranged substantially immediately beneath the fixing member and at a substantial distance from the outlet opening of the feeding pipe. 
   
   
     14. The device according to  claim 13 , wherein the tube member further comprises a distance member arranged around the inhalation tube between the inlet opening and the outlet opening and arranged to ensure that the inhalation tube is located at a distance from at least one part of an inner wall of the trachea.